Solar Explorer 3D vs Cosmos
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Solar Explorer 3D
Explore the cosmos with a realistic 3D simulation of the Solar System. Witness celestial bodies, spacecraft, and their movements with detailed surface views and mission replays. Ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and educators.
- Realistic 3D Solar System simulation
- Detailed celestial body and spacecraft models
- Surface exploration and landing views
- Time acceleration for observing motion
- Mission replay functionality
- Real-time astronomical data display
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Embark on an immersive journey through the solar system! Solar Explorer brings the solar system to life with a stunning 3D simulation based on real astronomical data, featuring 60+ celestial bodies and spacecraft. Experience the grandeur and mysteries of the universe in the palm of your hand. Key Features • Realistic Simulation – Explore the orbits of celestial bodies and spacecraft, along with the rotation of planets and moons, in an immersive 3D simulation. • Close-Up View – Observe surfaces and rotation up close, follow moons around their parent planets, and examine detailed 3D spacecraft models. • Size Comparison – Compare the Sun, planets, dwarf planets, and major moons side by side at true scale to appreciate the differences in size between celestial bodies. • Landing View – View a realistic starry sky and the Milky Way from selected surface locations on different celestial bodies. • Time Acceleration – Speed up time or run it backward to explore how celestial bodies and spacecraft move. • Mission Replay – Replay selected space missions with trajectory overviews and close-ups of key events. • Surface Features – Zoom in to discover surface features and place names on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies. Professional-Grade Experience • Planet, moon, and spacecraft positions are calculated using astronomical data and celestial mechanics, with information panel data updated to match the simulation time. • Inspect high-resolution surface textures up close and discover the varied landscapes of planets and moons. • Examine detailed 3D spacecraft models, including all five probes that have traveled beyond Neptune’s orbit, and track their speed and distance from Earth as simulation time changes. • Discover historic landing sites on the Moon, Mars, Venus, and other worlds, with details about landers and surface features. • Landing view uses celestial mechanics and viewing geometry to recreate the local sky and celestial motion, reflecting effects such as the Moon’s tidal locking and Venus’s retrograde rotation. • The Earth-Moon view extends to the Sun-Earth Lagrange points L1 and L2, with orbital paths for space telescopes such as JWST, Roman, and Euclid. • Enjoy detailed planetary rings, the Sun’s corona and glow, and sweeping views of the asteroid belt and Kuiper belt, along with shadows and transits. Intuitive Controls • Tap a celestial body or its name label to enter close-up view, or browse celestial bodies and spacecraft in the catalog. • Drag with one finger to rotate the view, and pinch with two fingers to zoom. • In close-up view, use the location picker to choose a target landing site. On Earth, you can also use your current location. • Adjust the speed and direction of time in orbit view, close-up view, and landing view to observe rotation and orbital motion. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, an educator, or a curious explorer, Solar Explorer opens a gateway to the mysteries of the universe. Download now and begin your space adventure!
Cosmos
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Cosmos traz o universo para o seu bolso, todo dia. • APOD — a imagem astronômica do dia em destaque, com histórico do mês • Recentes — novidades da NASA Image and Video Library • Populares — as imagens mais vistas • Textos em português quando disponíveis, com opção de ver o original • Busca por palavras-chave nas imagens Cosmos não é afiliado à NASA. Imagens, vídeos e textos são de domínio público ou creditados à NASA e aos autores indicados no app. Avisos de nova imagem do dia são opcionais — você escolhe quando ativar.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Cosmos at none against Solar Explorer 3D's 1. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Solar Explorer 3D sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Cosmos asks for nothing beyond the download.
Solar Explorer 3D ships an update every 3 weeks, Cosmos fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Solar Explorer 3D | Cosmos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (25 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 25 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 838 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Shenzhen Qizhuan Technology Co., Ltd. | Danilo Moreira da Silva Alves |
In-app purchases
Solar Explorer 3D
- Premium Edition$3.99
Cosmos
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Solar Explorer 3D free?
Is Cosmos free?
Do Solar Explorer 3D or Cosmos have ads?
Which is updated more often, Solar Explorer 3D or Cosmos?
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